Tommy O'Reilly's 59th minute pointed free ensured the JFC final ended level as Clann na nGael's improved second-half showing served up an exciting finale at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday afternoon. 

Moylagh .................. 1-8
Clann na nGael ........ 1-8

The Moyalagh full-forward's score leveled matters for the fourth time - all in the second-half. Tommy Hanley's men seemed set to claim the Peter McDermott Cup having hit the front for the first time in the 57th minute courtesy of Daragh Griffin's third point from play. 

Each side had a chance to claim the title in stoppage time with Ryan McNamee's effort from play wide for the Athboy-Rathcairn outfit before Sean Reilly was off target with a 45-metre free into the town goal. 

The blustery conditions contributed to both teams sharing 24 wides between them. However, the abiding memory is of an exciting final quarter with both teams extracting positives from their efforts. 

Clann na nGael gained parity for the first time through Jack Doherty's 36th minute free into the old swimming pool end. 

Moylagh's responded with four points on the spin and seemed set to finish in front. Phillip Garry's 44th minute close range goal revived Clann na nGael. When sub Ger O'Sullivan levelled, 1-6-each, in the 51st it was the prelude to a thrilling finale

Despite playing into the elements in the first-half - the wind and the sun - Moylagh burst from the block with Rory Gibney's flicked goal at the old swimming pool end in the second minute with Niall McLarney assisting. 

Moylagh played a holding game against the elements and increased their lead with Sean Reilly's neat point in the 11th minutes. 

Elemental advantage yielded nothing for Clann na nGael until the 17th minute when Michael Priest opened their account. 

Clann na nGael hit nine first-half wides but an improved second quarter saw them cut the deficit to the minimum by 24th minute when Eamonn O Donnachada pointed excellently from the open terrace side. 

Thomas O'Reilly's pointed free doubled Moylagh's advantage but the north county side lost Padraic Traynor to a black card in first-half stoppage time.

Moylagh led by 1-2 to 0-3 at the break and looked set to shade matters, but spirited opponents Clann na nGael ensured both teams get a second chance at Ashbourne on Wednesday night.

Moylagh - Aengus Fanning; Shane Gibney (0-1), Darren Gibney, Jimmy Boyle; Alan McCann, Peter Fox, Padraic Traynor; Joe Melia, Colm Fanning; Thomas Melia, Sean Reilly (0-1), Niall McLarney; Rory Gibney (1-0), Thomas O'Reilly (C) (0-4 fs), Emmet Grall (0-1). Subs - Eanna Brody (0-1) for Padraic Traynor (bc 30 + 2), Kevin Foley for T Melia (41), Gary Murphy for McLarney (50).

Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffin; Rory Tuite, Jack Doherty (0-1f), Carl Kelly; Diarmuid O Donnachada, John Farrell, Ryan McNamee; Daragh Griffin (0-3), Cian Swaine; Tom Hanley, Phillip Garry (1-0), Eamonn O Donnachada (0-1); Paul Tuite, Thomas Doyle, Michael Priest (0-2, 1f). Subs - Darragh Swaine for D O Donnachada (18), Ger O'Sullivan (0-1) for T Doyle (39), Coilin Griffin for J Farrell (41), Daragh Brogan for M Priest (49).

Referee - Cormac Reilly (St Mary's).

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